AUSTRALIAN MEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2561, 8 December 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN MEWS.

[BY ELBCTIIIO TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT.] Sydney, December li. The benefits of the recent rains are rapidly disappearing, and the country is fast drying up again. The weati.er is now inttiuely hot, and bush tires are rocimmeiieing, so that the prospects are discouraging to the fanning interest. Pi-cember /. It has been discovered that Bradford, who perpetrated a large series of frauds on the Municipal Corporation some years aeo, also committed others to the amount of £1201). which have only just been brought to light. The special auditor, who for many months past, has been engaged in a searching examination, reports that the frauds would have been impracticable had not the examiner of accounts disregarded his duty. Mklddituxe, December (5. Henderson, a clerk in the Stamps Department, has tlisipneareil suddenly. An investigation into his accounts shows that extensive frauds have been perpetrated. The Redistribution of Seats Bill has finally passed. The number of members of the Assembly will be increased to 93. Perth, December 7. Further particulars of the boiler explsion on board the steamer Albany, at Hamlin show that the boiler was forced through the main deck, carried away the chart room, main bridge and furnace, the fore top mast was shattered and fell over the stern. One man was cut in half, and then had his head cut off, and two others were so horribly scalded that the flesh fell off their bones and they died ; four men lost their lives by the explosion. Adelaide, December 7. The Governor, Sir W. Itobinson, was presented with a farewell address previous to his departure from the colony. December 7. The Chinese Bill has passed the Assembly. _^________ —